A design and build partnership that works

Add-Style was established by an architect and builder who had the foresight to see the benefits of combining home design and construction into one streamlined process.

Registered architect Tim Hookins and licensed Master Builder, Bill Handley joined forces in 1985 to bring about a streamlined and cost-efficient approach to building quality home additions. Although just the two of them in the early days, their success enabled the business to expand into the team of passionate designers and builders it is today.

Come meet the team.

Timothy Hookins

Tim started out in architecture in 1976 and has never looked back. After graduating from a six-year architecture degree at the University of Cape Town, he moved to England and spent five years working as a project architect in London’s West End.

While designing schools and medium density housing, he learnt how to hold his own with all manner of clients, including an imposing school bursar, who used to delight in needling him with questions like “what’s the difference between a footing and a foundation?!”

Tim migrated to Australia in 1983 and continued his architectural career, designing the campus headquarters of the Catholic University in North Sydney and working as a project architect for Geoffrey Twibill and Associates.

Bill Handley

A natural communicator, Bill has long spoken the language of design and construction.

After earning his builders licence in 1978 he worked as an independent contractor, winning work by tendering for jobs run by architects. He worked in harmony with 26 different architects, translating their design concepts into bricks and mortar.

The son of a stonemason/bricklayer, Bill grew up in Avalon in Sydney’s northern beaches. His first job was in administration and accountancy, but it was not long before he started following in his father’s footsteps – overseeing the renovations of residential units for a real estate agency. It was from here he began working with a multitude of trades and architects and first developed important organisational and communication skills.

Marcus Betts

There’s over 100 home additions in the northern beaches that Marcus has designed.

In his 11 years with Add-Style, Marcus has helped many clients on their journey from design conception through to construction. While completing a Masters of Architecture, Bachelor of Design in Architecture and Diploma of Architectural Technology at the University of Technology, he started at Add-Style as an office junior and worked his way up to lead designer.

Clients first meet Marcus to discuss the brief for their build and they continue to liaise throughout the build as Marcus oversees design resolutions throughout all phases of construction.

Cam White

Cam has no shortage of design accolades to his name. Graduating with a Masters of Architecture, Honours Class 1, from the University of Newcastle in 2015, his final architectural project received the Australian Institutes of Architects 2015 NSW Design Medal Commendation. He has since been awarded a prestigious architecture travel bursary.

His experience with Add-Style has given him a solid grounding in real world design and he enjoys the intricacies that come with creating designs that are both functional and aesthetic.

Give Cam a problem to solve like designing a complicated staircase or sorting out an on-site design issue and he is at his happiest!

Jay Handley

The phone starts ringing hot for Jay at 6.30am when the building crews arrives on site.

It’s his job to manage and trouble-shoot issues during the construction process, including scheduling trades and meeting with clients once the build has begun.

He has been with Add-Style since completing school in 2002, starting out as an apprentice carpenter and progressing to Construction Manager. It’s a role that keeps him extraordinarily busy and it’s safe to say that you won’t ever catch Jay sitting still.

Luisa Leslie

It’s Luisa’s friendly voice you’ll often hear when you first make an enquiry with Add-Style.

She has been working with us since 2011 looking after administration and accounts. Luisa loves the variety of work and the close-knit office team. With nine years’ previous experience in administration, it’s a job she is well-equipped to handle.

A Family Business

Add-Style is a business that has grown with its family.

When Bill Handley and Tim Hookins started working together in 1985 they based their business out of a home study that doubled as sleeping quarters for Bill’s first-born baby, Jay.

Little did they think that one day this baby would grow up to join the business, completing his apprenticeship with Add-Style and taking on a vital management role.

Jay Handley was the first of many family members to contribute to Add-Style’s growing business.

Ron Handley, Bill’s brother, was first a carpenter with Add-Style and now works as our truck driver, moving materials and rubbish and acting as conduit between the office, trades and clients.

Billy Handley is Bill’s Third son. Although he has a strong musical talent, he has also become a licenced carpenter and worked for a long time with Add-Style.

Beau Handley is Bill’s second son, works for us intermittently and has taken on complete carpentry jobs for us. He is overseas gaining work experience.

Tim’s daughter, Tullia, is an Interior Designer. She designs many of the colour schemes which are included in the design and build package we offer.

Many of the others involved with Add-Style have been with us for many years like Marcus Betts whose father is a friends of Bill’s. Our designers have completed their university studies while working for our company.

For us Add-Style is more than a nine to five job. It’s a family-owned and operated business built over decades that we are extremely proud to be a part of.

Shane’s Carpentry/Construction team. Shane is third from the right. Scotty, his right hand man, is second from the right.

Billy’s Carpentry/Construction team. Billy is on the right. His offsider, Mitch, is on the left

Alex Thomas handles the finishing carpentry/joinery details.

Area of Service

We provide our home renovation and additions services to the greater Sydney northern beaches area.